Man Killed In Shooting Inside Office Mourned

Orlando Worker, 26, Described As Driven, Devoted

November 22, 2009|By Brian Haas Staff Writer

WEST PALM BEACH — Senseless. Evil. Unfair.

Such were the words used Saturday to describe the death of Otis Beckford, a young man driven to further his education, establish a career as an architect, and build a better life for his fiancee and daughter. Beckford, 26, was killed Nov. 6 in a shooting spree at his Orlando workplace.

The very place he hoped to build that future - the architectural firm RS&H - became the scene of his death. Five others were shot but survived.

Nearly 200 friends, family and co-workers from Orlando packed a small chapel at Hillcrest Memorial Park to remember Beckford, known fondly to many as "Nicki."

Hadrian Malcolm, a childhood friend from Jamaica, described Beckford as intensely focused, ambitious and dedicated to his family.

"He knew exactly what he wanted and how he would achieve it," Malcolm said. "He was a proud father who spent a lot of time with his daughter."

Malcolm recalled playing cricket and football in Jamaica. He described how Beckford lost one job and then committed to a two-hour drive to Orlando when he was first hired at RS&H, formerly known as Reynolds, Smith & Hills. And Malcolm said Beckford was truly content with that new job, his fiancee, Daneicka Coley, and their 8-month-old daughter, Daniella.

"That man," police say, is Jason Rodriguez, a 40-year-old draftsman fired more than two years ago from the architectural firm. Rodriguez was indicted by an Orange County grand jury Tuesday on a count of first-degree murder and five counts of attempted first-degree murder in the shooting. Prosecutors have said they may seek the death penalty.

Mourners didn't mention Rodriguez by name. But they didn't avoid discussing what happened.

"Is there anything for you to rejoice about after such a senseless murder? That's what it is, murder. Nothing else, a senseless murder," the Rev. Ronald McFarlane said. "Whoever did this will have to be held accountable."

Amid songs of joy, mourners at last were told to find solace and hope. Through little Daniella, McFarlane said, people can still see Beckford's influence and work for a better future.

"He has left a legacy," McFarlane said, his voice cracking and straining. "Through Daniella you can continue the legacy of all this. Through her, and the way she was raised, we can change society, we can change the world."